Brad Schmelzer joins Workers Benefit Fund as CTO to build interoperable, scalable tech connecting gig and non-traditional workers to benefits and services.
The Workers Benefit Fund (WBF) has appointed Brad Schmelzer as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to expand WBF’s capacity to build and support technology that strengthens worker organizations, including unions and the growing gig workforce.
Schmelzer began his union journey in 2001 while working at a union machinist shop and pursuing a degree in Computer Information Systems. His commitment to labor advocacy grew quickly—he went on to serve as a shop steward and later as a communications representative for IAM Local 153 in Evansville, Indiana. That early experience in the labor movement shaped his belief in technology as a tool for empowerment and solidarity.
Schmelzer brings more than two decades of experience building IT systems and digital infrastructure for unions. Before joining WBF, he served as President of UnionTrack, Inc., a firm specializing in digital tools that help unions communicate, organize, and engage members. Earlier, he spent over a decade with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), where he led large-scale modernization projects as IT Director.
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At WBF, Schmelzer will focus on building interoperable, scalable technology that connects workers to benefits and services, particularly for gig and non-traditional workers who are often excluded from traditional benefit systems. His appointment reflects WBF’s continued national growth and its investment in long-term infrastructure to support benefit delivery, data integration, and secure collaboration across unions, worker organizations, and partners.
“As we scale nationally, technology becomes critical to delivering benefits simply, reliably, and at scale especially for gig workers whose work doesn’t fit neatly into traditional systems,” said Nick Abramovich, CEO of Workers Benefit Fund. “Brad brings rare credibility across both labor and technology. He understands how to build and connect systems that actually work for unions and for workers.”
“We’re not looking to reinvent what’s already working,” said Schmelzer. “Our goal is to build on what unions and their partners have created by connecting systems, integrating data, and improving access for members. Collaboration is the key.”
WBF’s mission is to ensure workers, especially those in non-traditional and gig roles can access meaningful benefits and modern tools that support economic security and collective power. WBF partners with unions, benefit funds, and technology providers to build a more connected, worker-centered ecosystem.
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